When it comes to find a sponsor for your dance event, you can’t improvise. A sponsor can really be a game-changer for your dance event, so you need to be prepared to provide a clear plan about what you’re offering and what you’re asking.
By following this detailed guide you will be able to find a sponsor for your dance event, whether it be small or big. The first method is the longer (and the manual) one, while the second method implies the use of an external platform to get a sponsor faster.
1. Find a sponsor for your dance event by yourself
Step 1: research
First of all you need to imagine your potential sponsors. They can usually belong to one of these categories:
1) Businesses working in your same field, such as dance associations, no profits, dance brands, etc. These businesses are accustomed to communicate with other brands as big as them (or a little bit smaller/bigger than them). Of course you can also find big businesses who can be interested in a partnership with you, no matter how “small” or “new” you can be. But you need to run a deep research.
2) Businesses working in other complementary fields: it can be venues, art associations, cultural associations, entertainment groups and industries, etc. These groups can be easier to target if you are looking for an easier and faster communication.
3) Big investors: banks and other investments associations can be interested in sponsoring your event as well. You must be prepared to offer something really interesting as they usually receive a lot of sponsorship requests and they can fulfill just some of them budget-wise.
Step 2: opportunities
Now you need to write down a list of things you can offer to your sponsors and a separate list of things you need from them. You need to make sure both lists have the same weight. This doesn’t mean both lists need to have the same number of elements. Neither they must have the same economical/financial value. For example, you can ask for a money investment from your sponsors and you can provide (like many companies do), free tickets, participation to company rehearsals, tours, meetings with the dancers, etc.
Open you mind and let the ideas flow.
Step 3: build relationships
If you managed to find a sponsor for your dance event you need to build relationships. Keep in touch with them frequently, provide insights, updates and let them know what you’re doing with their money/resources. Sponsors want first a return on investments, which means they want to see results.
Words and facts need to walk side by side while building your relationship with your sponsors. Be coherent, transparent and clear.
2. Find a sponsor by using an intermediary
You can also find a sponsor for your dance event by using an external platform or intermediary. The advantage in this case is that they can have already an established network of relationships they can count on. With them, you will have more guarantees because your future sponsors already trust them. And they’re doing business at the same level. Anyway, there are again two sub-possibilites. You can use platforms who act as indirect intermediaries (they put sponsors and clients in touch) and platforms who act as direct intermediaries (they directly connect the sponsor with you).
1) Indirect intermediaries: platforms such as Sponseasy, SponsorMyEvent, or SponsorPark can help you to connect with potential sponsors. Keep in mind you may also not find the sponsor you’re looking for between those available. Also, it’s not guaranteed they will decide to sponsor you instead of someone else. Last, some platforms offer a subscription plan while others can ask for a payment to “unlock” some features.
2) Direct intermediaries: Dancefolio (you’re on it in this moment), offers – for free – the possibility of finding a sponsor for your dance event. If you’re looking for a dance event ticketing or a dance recital ticketing system and you need a second way to monetize, Dancefolio is for you. The platform will set up your dance event AND will find a sponsor for your event according to your requests. This service is free and is already included in the event setup. The only commissions the platform applies, are on the attendees side, who will pay a 4.5% fee + 0.99$ on the price of the ticket. This fee is also the lowest one in the market (other sites charge 5% + 1.00$).
Here’s how it works on Dancefolio:
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You can have more information about Dancefolio’s sponsorships here.
Now that you have more elements, it’s up to you to choose which is the best solution for your business according to time, resources and budget 🙂